Methods and computer-readable media for managing and configuring options for the real-time notification and disposition of voice services in a cable services network

Abstract

Methods are provided for managing and configuring voice services the notification and disposition of voice services, such as telephone calls, in a cable television services system. In response to receiving a notification of an incoming voice service in the cable television services system, a voice services banner is generated for displaying options for managing the incoming voice service. Options for managing the incoming voice service are selected from the voice services banner. An on-screen user interface is generated for configuring voice services options on a display device in communication with a set-top box. The user interface receives selections for configuring the voice services options. In response to receiving a selection, a determination is made whether to display a menu for configuring the voice services options based on a subscriber profile. If it is determined that the configuration of voice services is authorized, then the menu is displayed for configuring the voice services options.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 599,958 entitled “Voice Services Via a Television Services System,” filed on Aug. 9, 2004 and expressly incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]With the advent of cable services networks, cable subscribers have grown accustomed to receiving a variety of television programming from numerous broadcasting sources. In recent years, technology advances have enabled subscribers to receive an even greater variety of products and services through cable services networks. Modern cable services networks provide traditional video television programming, telephone services, high speed internet access, electronic mail services, video-on-demand, information services, and the like. Through the use of set-top boxes (computing systems), cable services providers can provide interactive television services to subscribers. Such interactive telev...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides methods for managing and configuring options for the real-time notification and disposition of voice services in a cable services network. This enables a subscriber to configure options for receiving real-time notification of incoming telephone calls on a display device connected to a set-top box as well as disposition instructions for managing incoming telephone calls. The technical effects of the invention include improving the user experience and enhancing the management of voice services in a cable television services system.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, current systems do not offer real-time management of telephone calls (e.g., answering calls, forwarding calls, etc.) made to a subscriber telephone number nor are they capable of displaying notifications of incoming calls while a subscriber is viewing television.

Because current systems do not offer real-time notification and disposition of telephone calls, a subscriber may miss desired telephone calls.

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